Dear Parent,

Father’s Day usually means a trip to a busy shopping mall or going out for a big meal at a crowded restaurant; but there are many other possibilities that can be fun and interesting for the whole family.

In our busy world, planning crafts and special events to give for Father’s Day will help your child learn about the joy of working hard to create something they can give from their heart. It’ll also make Dad feel that his hard work is appreciated by his family and be proud of his children on his special day.

Here are 10 suggestions to reward Dad on Father’s day. If your child is over 2 to 3 years old, your whole family can work together to make this a very Happy Father’s Day.

Idea #1: Enroll Dad in Edukey’s Secrets of Excellence Workshop. This programme, for parents of children 0-4 years old, mixes parenting best-practices, with case studies of people who have achieved Excellence in their fields, thanks to the support of their parents (including the story of Edukey’s founders’ family, Carmela, John and Alan). The very logical and pragmatic flow behind this course is designed specifically to motivate and inspire Dads as well as provide Moms with compelling evidence to encourage Dad to fulfill his pivotal role which can be one of the most important secrets for developing Excellence in his child.

Idea #2: Have a ‘Pamper Dad at Home Day’ including his favorite meals, cakes or cookies made just for him, some arts and crafts made especially for Father’s Day. The kids can create a mini-spa by giving Dad a neck, back or facial massage. This promotes planning, creativity, problem solving and communication skills in your child.

Idea #3: Make a movie about Dad, all the things you are grateful for, all the ways Dad helps the family, the things he gives you and happy times you have shared. Presenting the video will make your child feel proud for completing a difficult task and practicing generosity. This is terrific for the development of creativity, visual interpretation and communication skills. As well as the planning involved develops logical reasoning and problem solving.

Idea #4: Make a scrap book of the fun things you have done with Dad in the past year and the things you plan to do together this year. This helps Dad to feel appreciated while encouraging creativity, planning and artistic expression in your child.

Idea #5: Create a “Treasure Hunt” for Dad; hide fun things for him around the house, (homemade goodies, arts and crafts made just for Dad, family pictures). Create a “Pirates Treasure Map” so Dad can search for his prizes. The creation of the treasure map is excellent for the development of logic, spatial reasoning and forethought in your child as well as personally making the treasures promotes arts and crafts skills.

Idea #6: Together organize a big family dinner with Dad as the guest of honor. Make invitations for everyone, plan the meal and buy the ingredients together with your child. Make the dinner table look beautiful with special place settings, flowers and candles, choose nice music and wear your best clothes. This activity is great for the development of planning and logical reasoning. As well, planning and preparing the meal incorporates the development of science and math learning.

Idea #7: Set aside a special time on Father’s Day to talk to your children about their Father’s life and your Father’s life and his Father before him. Share pictures, heirlooms and mementos. Children love to learn about their parents and grand-parents. This activity promotes trust and pride in your family as well as gives the child a strong sense of their own family history which helps develop their own identity..

Idea #8: Make a “Dad is Great Book” or a “Thank You Dad Book” full of pictures and crafts (photos and clippings from magazines) about why you Love your Dad and memories of some special time you shared with each other. Making these books promotes planning and problem solving, self expression, communication and creativity in your child.

Idea #9: Have a Father’s Day picnic with friends and family, great BBQ food and games for the kids. This can be a fun and relaxing day for the whole family with Dad as the guest of honor. Encourage your child to plan the foods and shop together. Also plan the games and activities for that day together with your child. This helps your child develop planning and logic skills as well as the development of basic math and science skills.

Idea #10: Make a Father’s Day Coupon Book, featuring different coupons for things everyone can do for Dad throughout the year. So when Dad is having a difficult time he can use a coupon from this book to brighten his day. Coupons for things like

• Draw a special picture for Dad
• Make cookies for Dad
• Sing a song for Dad
• Hugs for Dad (make lots of these)
• Kisses for Dad (make lots of these)

This activity is excellent for promoting forethought and empathy in your child as well as creativity and self expression.

Remember, Moms are heroes throughout the year, but this weekend, it’s your chance for you and your children to make Dad feel like one.

Best Regards and Happy Father’s Day!

Tina Stephenson
Child Behavior Specialist
Edukey Ltd